• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제64권4호
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• pp.654-670
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• 2022

Spermatogenesis and testis development are highly structured physiological processes responsible for post-pubertal fertility in stallions. Spermatogenesis comprises spermatocytogenesis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Although germ cell degeneration is a continuous process, its effects are more pronounced during spermatocytogenesis and meiosis. The productivity and efficiency of spermatogenesis are directly linked to pubertal development, degenerated germ cell populations, aging, nutrition, and season of the year in stallions. The multiplex interplay of germ cells with somatic cells, endocrine and paracrine factors, growth factors, and signaling molecules contributes to the regulation of spermatogenesis. A cell-tocell communication within the testes of these factors is a fundamental requirement of normal spermatogenesis. A noteworthy development has been made recently on discovering the effects of different somatic cells including Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular myoid cells on manipulation the fate of spermatogonial stem cells. In this review, we discuss the self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptotic roles of somatic cells and the relationship between somatic and germ cells during normal spermatogenesis. We also summarize the roles of different growth factors, their paracrine/endocrine/autocrine pathways, and the different cytokines associated with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight important matters for further studies on the regulation of spermatogenesis. This review presents an insight into the mechanism of spermatogenesis, and helpful in developing better understanding of the functions of somatic cells, particularly in stallions and would offer new research goals for developing curative techniques to address infertility/subfertility in stallions.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.107-119
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• 2002

U. unicinctus의 초기 정자형성 과정은 체액 부유성 웅성 생식세포 집단(cluster)에서 수행되는 것으로 관찰되었다. 이들 웅성 생식세포 집단은 체강의 체액 속에 산재하고 다른 체세포와 특정 구조 또는 조직을 형성하지 않았으므로 분산형 정자형성(diffuse spermatogenesis) 또는 단위집단 정자형성 (solitary spermatogenesis) 과정을 거치는 것으로 볼 수 있었다. 단위집단 정자 형성과정은 생식세포들이 체세포와 함께 조직을 형성하는 포유동물의 집단 정자형성(localized spermatogenesis)과 비교하여 미세구조 측면에서 여러 가지 특징을 갖는 것으로 관찰되었다. U. unicinctus의 단위집단 정자형성에서 웅성 생식세포 발생단계는 핵의 크기, 핵질(nuclear matrices)의 위상 그리고 핵 응축도 및 웅성 생식세포 기관의 발달 상태를 고려하여 따로 분류하였다. 정원세포와 제1 정모세포의 차이는 핵질의 위상에서 분명하였고, 정모세포와 정세포는 핵 응축도에서 차이를 볼 수 있었다. 단위집단을 형성하는 시기는 정원세포기로서 각 정원세포 돌기들이 서로 융합한다는 증거를 볼 수 있었다. 제1, 제2 정모세포 그리고 정세포들은 단위집단의 외곽에 부착하고 있었으며 내부에는 웅성 생식세포 응축 과정에 수반되어 분리된 또는 제거된 세포질 성분(cytoplasmic mass)이 채워지는 것으로 볼 수 있었다. 성숙 후 단위집단에서 체강으로 분리되는 시기는 정세포기이며, 체강에서 관찰된 성숙정자는 물질농도에서 구획이 형성된 원반형 첨체, 미토콘드리아와 편모의 구조로 보아서 운동성과 수정력이 있는 것으로 보인다. 이와 같은 단위집단 생식세포 형성은 체액을 통한 간접 방법에 의해 대사 작용에 필요한 정보와 물질을 교환하기 때문에 가능한 것으로 추측하였으며, 이를 응용하면 적절한 양의 체액을 공급하여 in vitro에서 생식세포 배양이 가능할 것으로 사료되었다.

• 한국연초학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.12-20
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• 1996

The spermatogenesis and chromosome number were investigated in the pupal testes of Helicouerpa assulta Guenee by light microscopy. During the spermatogenesis, each bundle of P8(256) sperms developed by 6 mitotic and 2 meiotic spermatogonial divisions. From the early stage of spermatogenesis, it was distinguishable between two kinds of sperm differentiation, eupyrene and apyrene spermatogenesis, which are characteristic in Lepidoptera, by the differences in nuclear shape and cell distribution in immature spermatocyst. Through the followed spermiogenesis, the spermatocysts were developed into two kinds of mature cyst, a streamline-shaped eupyrene cyst with nucleated sperms of thready head or a long spindle-shaped apyrene cyst with anucleated sperms of cylindrical head. As the results off chromosomal analysis at metaphase of the spermatogonial mitosis and spermatocytic meiosis, the chromosome number were 2n=6a/n=31, respectively, and no variation between individuals.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.61-67
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• 2011

Recently, a significant understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis has been achieved utilizing small RNA molecules (small RNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) which emerged as important regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional or translation level. piRNAs are only present in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, whereas miRNAs are expressed abundantly in male germ cells throughout spermatogenesis. This review is aimed at providing a glimpse of piRNAs and their interacting family proteins such as PIWIL1, PIWIL2, and PIWIL4 in spermatogenesis.

• 환경생물
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2006

Abstract - Global decline in wildlife mammals has been accelerated during past decades. Especially the conservation the wild life mammals in polar areas, is urgent. In an effort to understand the reproduction of the seals dwelling in the polar area, spermatogenesis in the seals was reviewed. Seals breed seasonally and in most of the seal species, delayed implantation is frequently observed. To date, histological and endocrinological evaluation revealed highly cyclic nature in supermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in testis. Seasonal changes in blood testosterone level together with melatonin is closely related with changes in light cycle between summer and winter. In adult testis at breeding seasons, spermatogenesis is manifested by consecutive 18 stages of germ cell development. Three kinds of Leydig cells different in steroidogenic activity as well as cellular morphology appear during the testis development. During non-breeding season, spermatogenic arrest and Leydig cell hypoplasia are frequently found. Interestingly, blood circulation through the anastomoses of pelvic veins cooled the testes and thus guarantees spermatogenesis within the body trunk. Endocrine disruptors and heavy metals have been found in the body tissues of several seals species and alter steroidogenesis in seals, suggesting environmental pollutants together with decrease in habitats are potentially threatening the reproductive success in seal species.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.35.1-35.13
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• 2022

Background: The testis has been reported to be a naturally O2-deprived organ, dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) can inhibit hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) subject to degradation under normal oxygen condition in cells. Objectives: The objective of this study is to detect the effects of DMOG on the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in Bama minipigs. Methods: Gradient concentrations of DMOG were added into the culture medium, HIF-1α protein in SSCs was detected by western blot analysis, the relative transcription levels of the SSC-specific genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Six days post-induction, the genes related to spermatogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR, and the DNA content was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Results revealed that the levels of HIF-1α protein increased in SSCs with the DMOG treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The relative transcription levels of SSC-specific genes were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) by activating HIF-1α expression. The induction results showed that DMOG significantly increased (p < 0.05) the spermatogenesis capability of SSCs, and the populations of haploid cells significantly increased (p < 0.05) in DMOG-treated SSCs when compared to those in DMOG-untreated SSCs. Conclusion: We demonstrate that DMOG can promote the spermatogenesis activity of SSCs.

• 한국연초학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.171-181
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• 1999

We examined the ultrastructure of eupyrene and apyrene spermatogenesis in the testis of Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The spermatogenesis was progressed near the fringe adjacent to the follicular layer of the testicular follicle, surrounding the apical cell concentrically. Eupyrene and apyrene were firstly distinguished at the telophase stage of the primary spermatocyte. Chromatin was evenly scattered in eupyrene nuclei, whereas it was lumped near the nuclear envelope in apyrene spermatogenesis. Then, the nucleus of eupyrene was transformed into two daughter nuclei by meiosis, while the nucleus of apyrene was divided into many micronuclei by irregular meiosis. After the meiosis was completed, a number of mitochondria in the cytoplasm of the early spermatids of the eupyrene and the apyrene were fused into one nebenkern. Also, as axial filament was formed due to the elongation of the spermatid, the nebenkern became splitted into mitochondrial derivatives. An acrosome precursor was present only in the eupyrene, attached to nuclear envelope.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.683-697
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• 2023

The threat posed by increased surface temperatures worldwide has attracted the attention of researchers to the reaction of animals to heat stress. Spermatogenesis in animals such as stallions is a temperature-dependent process, ideally occurring at temperatures slightly below the core body temperature. Thus, proper thermoregulation is essential, especially because stallion spermatogenesis and the resulting spermatozoa are negatively affected by increased testicular temperature. Consequently, the failure of thermoregulation resulting in heat stress may diminish sperm quality and increase the likelihood of stallion infertility. In this review, we emphasize upon the impact of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the somatic and germ cells and describe the subsequent testicular alterations. In addition, we explore the functions and molecular responses of heat shock proteins, including HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105, in heat-induced stress conditions. Finally, we discuss the use of various therapies to alleviate heat stress-induced reproductive harm by modulating distinct signaling pathways.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.60-66
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• 2013

Objective: Impairment of spermatogenesis has been identified as an inevitable side effect of cancer treatment. Although estrogen treatment stimulates spermatogenic recovery from the impaired spermatogenesis by suppressing the intra-testicular testosterone (ITT) level, side effects of estrogen are still major impediments to its clinical application in humans. Soybeans are rich in genistein, which is a phytoestrogen that binds to estrogen receptors and has an estrogenic effect. We investigated the effects of genistein administration on ITT levels, testis weight, and recovery of spermatogenesis in rats treated with a chemotherapeutic agent, busulfan. Methods: Busulfan was administered intraperitoneally to rats, and then a GnRH agonist was injected subcutaneously into the back, or genistein was administered orally. Results: The weight of the testes was significantly reduced by the treatment with busulfan. The testis weight was partially restored after busulfan treatment by additional treatment with either the GnRH agonist or genistein. Busulfan also induced atrophy of a high percentage of the seminiferous tubules, but this percentage was decreased by additional treatment with either the GnRH agonist or genistein. Treatment with genistein was effective at suppressing and maintaining ITT levels comparable to that in the GnRH agonist group. Conclusion: Genistein effectively suppressed ITT levels and stimulated the recovery of spermatogenesis in rats treated with a chemotherapeutic drug. This suggests that genistein may be a substitute for estrogens, for helping humans to recover fertility after cancer therapy without the risk of side effects.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.249-261
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• 2020

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have stemness characteristics, including germ cell-specific imprints that allow them to form gametes. Spermatogenesis involves changes in gene expression such as a transition from expression of somatic to germ cell-specific genes, global repression of gene expression, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, highly condensed packing of the nucleus with protamines, and morphogenesis. These step-by-step processes finally generate spermatozoa that are fertilization competent. Dynamic epigenetic modifications also confer totipotency to germ cells after fertilization. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) in embryos do not enter meiosis, remain in the proliferative stage, and are referred to as gonocytes, before entering quiescence. Gonocytes develop into SSCs at about 6 days after birth in rodents. Although chromatin structural modification by Polycomb is essential for gene silencing in mammals, and epigenetic changes are critical in spermatogenesis, a comprehensive understanding of transcriptional regulation is lacking. Recently, we evaluated the expression profiles of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and CP2c in the gonads of E14.5 and 12-week-old mice. YY1 localizes at the nucleus and/or cytoplasm at specific stages of spermatogenesis, possibly by interaction with CP2c and YY1-interacting transcription factor. In the present article, we discuss the possible roles of YY1 and CP2c in spermatogenesis and stemness based on our results and a review of the relevant literature.